Who Initiated Our Salvation?

This morning we studied Luke 13:10-17 about how Jesus healed a woman who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. The woman was bent over and could not straighten up at all. One of our sisters actually had a relative like that.

What is amazing in this story is that Jesus took complete initiatives to call this woman over and talked with her and set her free. He also put his hands on her to strengthen her up.

What did the woman do? She was in the synagogues on a Sabbath day. That was it! Probably used to her infirmity and suffering, she didn't ask for help like other people who were healed in the Bible.

We shared how God had helped us in different stages of our lives, in China, Korea, Hong Kong, and the United States. We thanked God for loving us and taking the initiatives to help us. Like that woman, we can praise God!

Copyright © 2005-2007 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

How to Answer a Fool?

I read the following verses from the Bible this morning:

"Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes." (Proverbs 26:4-5)

It is a good reminder that sometimes we might want to answer a fool according to his folly, and other times we don't. Do you want to be like the fool? Do you want that fool to think he is wise?

Copyright © 2005-2007 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Praise Him for His Love and Faithfulness

I talked with my sister on the phone. She was telling me how God opened her mouth and throat to singing. She can now sing at home and in the church, praising God. Well, I wrote about similar experience also. It is not uncommon for someone who didn't know they could sing to thoroughly enjoy worship and praises after becoming Christians!

"It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands. How great are your works, O LORD, how profound your thoughts!" (Psalm 92:1-5)

Here is something you might want to try everyday. Thank God for His love first thing in the morning. Think about how much Jesus loves you. Thank God for His faithfulness in your last prayer before going to bed. Think about how He has taken care of you all day.

If you do it consistently, day after day, you heart will be filled with His love and faithfulness. It works for me!

Copyright © 2005-2007 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Double Murder?

The body of the missing Ohio woman, Jessie Davis (26), has been found. She disappeared for more than a week. Her baby girl was due July 3.

Her boyfriend Bobby Cutts Jr. (30) is arrested for charges of double murder. They have a 2-year-old son. Cutts is still married to his wife although they have been separated.

Why do men kill their pregnant wives or girlfriends?

God knows the darkness of human's hearts. He gave ten commandments against their sinfulness. Here are two of them: "You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery." (Exodus 20:13-14)

Copyright © 2005-2007 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Consequences and Renewing Hope

Sometimes I feel really sad about people (me included) who do bad things that have negative consequences, especially consequences that affect our sons and daughters.

Where can we find hope? The following passage from the Bible (Jeremiah 31:28-31) reminds me that our Lord is in control and He restores us with His grace. I am so grateful for the new covenant that Jesus has established with His blood.

"Just as I watched over them to uproot and tear down, and to overthrow, destroy and bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant," declares the LORD. "In those days people will no longer say, 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge. 'Instead, everyone will die for his own sin; whoever eats sour grapes—his own teeth will be set on edge. "The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.

Copyright © 2005-2007 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Quarrelsome Wife?!

I was really mad at myself for running late. I got up early to exercise in the gym. But when I got home, I realized time was tight since I had to rush to Cupertino and then back to Fremont. That's crazy!

As I rushed into the shower, I asked my husband, "Will you pack me a tuna sandwich? Just wrap it in the foil." "Sure!" After I changed, he had already returned to the front of his PC. Casually he mentioned, "I don't want the sandwich to be soggy. I found a small margarine jar and put it there." I imagined a sandwich stuffed into a small jar but I did not say a word.

I ran downstairs and made instant coffee in my thermo cup. As I picked up my lunch, I looked into the brown bag and saw a piece of bread in a sandwich bag by itself. All I uttered was "Ugh!" and he rushed downstairs. "What's the matter?" I didn't have time to say anything. I was overwhelmed but anger was at the top of my stack. "Thank you for being so meticulous." "No, you are angry at me for not doing it your way." That was our last exchange before I left.

Even when I was not "quarreling" with him, he could tell that I was displeased. What was I angry about? I was in a rush and I didn't have time to MAKE a sandwich! I don't mind soggy sandwich. Why does he always have to be so rational? And how did he feel? He felt disrespected. He wanted me to appreciate what he had done -- being ever so thoughtful and helpful.

What a disconnect! My husband probably wanted to live in the attic if we had one.

"Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife." (Proverbs 25:24)

Copyright © 2005-2007 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Murder-Suicide For Financial Woes

On June 18, 2007, Kevin Morrissey shot his wife (a Japanese American who is a M.D.) and two daughters (cutest girls only age 6 and 8) before shooting himself. The murder-suicide occurred at Tilden Park in the East Bay.

In his type-written suicide note, Morrissey accepted full responsibilities. He said that their medical practice business was failing financially and that other employment opportunities were "unattractive."

When interviewed, everyone they thought the Morrissey's were a happy family. They even had a birthday party for one of the girls on Father's Day, just one day before the killing. His 80-year old neighbor lamented, "A lot of times, people are laughing on the outside and crying on the inside, and they don't let you know the reason why they're crying."

Does "a financial breaking point" warrant destruction of lives? Couldn't they found jobs? Couldn't they have declared bankrupcy? Couldn't they move to an apartment? Couldn't they turn to their church for help?

Apostle Paul said, "I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Philippians 4:10-12)

Copyright © 2005-2007 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Missing Pregnant Woman

Jessie Davis, a 26-year-old woman who is nine months pregnant, has been missing from her Ohio home. Jessie's mother last talked with Jessie on the phone on Wednesday June 13. Two days later, she checked on her daughter and found her two-year-old grandson home alone. The house was in disarray and the little boy told grandma, "Mommy broke table" and "Mommy's in the rug." Jessie's mom called 911.

Police officer Bobby Cutts is the father of the 2-year-old boy and the unborn baby. Apparently, Cutts is still married to another woman, although they are separated, who knows about Jessie's pregnancy.

Many people (especially Jessie's parents) fear foul play although no suspect has been named. I read the news and couldn't stop praying and wondering. Laci and Scott Peterson came to mind. Laci went missing while eight months pregnant with her first child (to be named) Conner. Jessie Davis was going to name her unborn daughter Chloe. Both men were involved with another woman (Peterson's mistress and Cutts' wife). Is having an affair outside of marriage really innocent?

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil (Proverbs 3:7).

Copyright © 2005-2007 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Abraham's Two Wives and Two Sons

Soon after I was born, my dad had his mistress (who later became his concubine). "Having a son" was the excuse to justify their affair. Sure enough, my half-brother was born when I was one year old. Dad had a son, although illegitmate.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck. When my half-brother was ten, he was run over and killed by his school bus. The most terrible thing is that the accident happened right in front of his mother. She and her little daughter were standing on the balcony of the high rise building where they lived. My half-brother was crossing the street and waving at them. Needless to say, our dad was deeply sorrow and guilt-stricken. Ironically, one year before that fatal accident, my family celebrated the birth of my little brother.

Every time when I read the triangle among Abraham, Sarah and Hagar in the Bible, I thought about my parents and the other woman. You may read about their story from the book of Genesis. Sarah thought she could never have a baby so she suggested Abraham to sleep with her own maid Hagar. Although Hagar gave birth to a son Ishmael but that was not God's intention. Years later, despite her old age, Sarah gave birth to Isaac who was the legitimate son God promised Abraham. God made it happen in His divine appointed time.

Although doctors warned my mom never to get pregnant again. Mom continued to try and gave dad a legitimate son nine years after I was born. Who could imagine my half-brother's death a year later?

Copyright © 2005-2007 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Amazing Choices

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

Do you or someone you know have very special needs, visibly or not? Does your life seem too difficult to deal with? Do you ever wonder how life can go on?

Imagine a girl born with a total of four fingers (two on each hand) and no limb below her knees.

Imagine her mother when "They were all waiting outside the hospital to take her away from me!"

What choices do they have? She became "the four finger pianist" and this video tells the story of Heeah and her mom.

Copyright © 2005-2007 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Cancer Care Training

Do you know someone whose life has been touched by cancer?

In 1985, my father was diagnosed with lung cancer. He passed away the following year at age 60. A few months before dad died, I was able to visit him in Hong Kong with my husband and our very young son. When we returned to United States, I was in despair but I did not tell anyone. It was one more blow of life. I did not want to deal with losing dad after losing mom ten years prior. I did not want to talk about death. I did not even attend his funeral! I loved my dad but I turned all my attention to work.

A few years ago, I met two Christian men, Emery Kong (Mandarin) and Ernest Lam (Cantonese) from the "Herald Cancer Care Network." Each man lost his first wife to cancer. Not only did they went through the valley of death with their spouses and kids, they are now helping cancer patients and their families.

Emery and Ernest regularly conduct training workshops on Cancer Care. You can details on their website at cancer.cchc.org

Here is a news article about the "Herald Cancer Care Network" caring ministry for Chinese cancer patients through its new office in Milpitas, California based on an interview with Emery, the Director of that ministry.

Meeting Jesus in 1989 changed my perspective about many things. Everyone dies but we can choose how to live. No matter what difficulties we have to face, there is hope in Christ. When I told my sister my new belief, she (who was a Buddhist then) told me an unexpected news: "Dad also became a Christian a few months before he died!"

Many times, I imagined what my dad went through all his life, having two wives, taking care of two sets of family. I knew he would understand what it meant that "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). I am so grateful that Jesus gave dad another chance!

Pray that God will raise up more caregivers, and pray for their training workshops. They need more volunteers to care for the ever-increasing number of cancerpatients who come to them to seek help. Attending the workshops do not mean committing to volunteer. It will give you some basic training that you may be able to use in the future, just in case.

Copyright © 2005-2007 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Witnessing for Christ

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

You may have heard about the woman who had heavy bleeding for twelve years. Not only was it uncomfortable and inconvenient, she was considered unclean in those days. She suffered physically and emotionally (as people rejected her). She spent a lot of money but doctors only made things worse!

When she heard about the great doctor, she wanted to give it one last try. But this time, knowing what Jesus could do, she had a different type of confidence: "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed" (Mark 5:28). Therefore she sneaked up behind Jesus in the crowd and touched his cloak. Lo and behold, her bledding stopped immediately. She was freed from her suffering!

Wow! What great power! The woman could go home now. Nobody would know what happened. Nobody, except Jesus. He realized power had gone out from him and he asked, "Who touched my clothes?"

His disciples thought that was a silly question among a HUGE crowd. But Jesus kept looking and waited. Finally, the woman knew she could no longer hide. She came and fell at Jesus' feet. Trembling with fear, she confessed the truth.

When I put my faith in Jesus on January 28, 1989, I experienced great joy and peace. Sister Jill started visiting me weekly and taught me about my new life in Christ. I started daily devotion from the book of Matthew. On March 26, 1989, I read this story about the woman from Mark 5:25-34.

All in a sudden, I realized I was trying to follow Jesus secretly. Of course I told my husband and son (I had been taking him to church and they saw Jill every Wednesday night) but I was not ready to tell the world. I knew I was saved and Jesus knew it. He wanted to give me (like that woman) a chance to confess in front of other people. I could no longer hide. I signed up and was baptisted at our church on April 30 that year.

It has been a long time but I know why Jesus wanted me to do it. What he told the woman applies to me, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering" (Mark 5:34)!

Copyright © 2005-2007 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Horod's Way of Saving Face?

There was a woman in the Bible who did some terrible things. Herodias married her brother-in-law king Herod, taught her daughter to dance in front of men (which was not proper in those days), and grabbed the opportunity to kill an enemy (John the Baptist who told the truth that it was not right for Herod to marry his brother's wife). Here is what the Bible told us:

Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests ...

The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want, and I'll give it to you." And he promised her with an oath, "Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom." The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. (Mark 6:21-26)

King Herod did not intend to kill John after placing him in prison to please Herodias (his sister-in-law turned wife). But he had John's head cut off just to save his face!

You may read the whole story from Mark 6:14-29.

Copyright © 2005-2007 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC